Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) and AIP VII Europe Sarl, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AIP Fund VII, managed by American Industrial Partners, have announced that they have entered into an exclusive agreement. Alba will acquire 100% of Aluminium Dunkerque, the European Union’s largest primary aluminium smelter.
The proposed transaction is said to mark a significant milestone for Aluminium Dunkerque and secures a long-term industrial owner committed to its continued development in France and Europe.
Located in Loon-Plage in the Dunkerque region of France, Aluminium Dunkerque produces 300,000t of aluminium annually. Equipped with advanced automation, integrated production capabilities, and a strong foundation of skilled talent, Aluminium Dunkerque is well-positioned to capitalise on Europe’s growing demand for sustainably produced aluminium, said a statement.
Under AIP’s ownership, Aluminium Dunkerque has undergone transformations; the experienced management team and the skilled employees have improved operational reliability and energy efficiency, strengthened financial performance, secured long-term electricity supply agreements with EDF and others, invested in productivity and modernisation, and solidified its position as one of the lowest-carbon primary aluminium producers in Europe, the statement explained.
Alba CEO Ali Al Baqali said, “Our commitment is long-term. We will ensure operational continuity, support employees and expand low-carbon production capabilities to advance Aluminium Dunkerque’s next phase of development in full alignment with France’s industrial and energy priorities.”
Zac Carson, Partner at AIP added, “Following a rigorous and competitive process, we are confident that Alba one of the world’s leading and most technologically advanced primary aluminium producers – is the right long-term owner to build on the transformation achieved over the past five years and to further strengthen Aluminium Dunkerque’s strategic role within Europe’s industrial value chains. Alba maintains a singular focus on aluminium smelting, has excellent access to critical alumina, and has the strong balance sheet and cash flows required to sustain growth in the decades ahead.”
Guillaume de Goÿs, CEO & President of Aluminium Dunkerque continued, “Over the past 5 years, American Industrial Partners has been a supportive partner to Aluminium Dunkerque’s management as we re-established our company as a top industrial performer. Today, we look forward to welcoming Alba as our new long-term industrial owner. As one of the world’s leading primary aluminium producers, Alba brings deep technical expertise, operational excellence, and a clear commitment to low-carbon aluminium production that aligns perfectly with our ambitions. This new chapter will provide us with many new opportunities, along with the financial and technical resources to continue investing, innovating and reinforcing Aluminium Dunkerque’s role in France and Europe.”
“By combining Alba’s and Aluminium Dunkerque’s established strengths, we intend to create a new industrial powerhouse for cross-regional collaboration rooted in shared values and a commitment to innovation and responsibility. As global aluminium demand accelerates, this partnership will enable Alba and Aluminium Dunkerque to build an integrated platform that will capture compelling market opportunities while contributing to Europe’s industrial resilience and the global decarbonisation agenda,” he added.
On the deal, Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chairman of Alba stated, “Building on Alba’s position as a global supplier serving 5 continents, this transaction represents a bold and forward-looking step in our strategic roadmap to build a globally connected, low-carbon aluminium platform with operational strongholds in the GCC and Europe.”
The proposed merger between Alba and Aluminium Dunkerque aims to create a geographically diversified industrial group with a substantial operational presence across various regions. This will expand the customer base of both companies. Alba plans to pursue a long-term industrial strategy rooted in France, with a focus on local operations, operational stability, continued investment, and sustainable innovation.
Alba’s acquisition of Aluminium Dunkerque is a commitment to ensuring the continuity of its existing operations. This includes preserving employment and critical industrial capabilities, reinforcing low-carbon production, and supporting France’s and Europe’s energy transition and industrial sovereignty objectives. Alba further pledges to maintain Aluminium Dunkerque’s established standards of safety, reliability, and operational excellence, the statement concluded.
